1. STATEMENT OF CONTINUED SUPPORT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm that Hill Dickinson LLP reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

In this our first Communication on Progress, we are committing to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to sharing this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Peter Jackson
CEO

Human Rights
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

All Hill Dickinson employees are required to observe the laws of the countries in which they are based.
Hill Dickinson has policies in place that ensure a safe, suitable and sanitary working environment for colleagues. These policies include: Agile working, stress, bullying and harassment, parental leave, equal opportunities, conflicts of interest, parental leave, compassionate leave and sickness and absence.

All new employees undergo an induction that makes them aware of these policies. The policies are freely and easily accessible to all employees on our intranet. Disciplinary procedures are conducted following the UK ACAS code of practice.

All employees undergo annual, mandatory refresher training and testing.
An annual employee survey takes place to monitor responses and engagement.
Over the past year we have not been subject to any investigations, legal cases or incidents involving human rights violations.

Labour
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Hill Dickinson does not employ child labour, forced labour or prevent colleagues from any form of free association. We do not discriminate and are committed to continuously improving our diversity. We believe that our diverse workforce creates a positive energy that adds great value to our business. We welcome talented people, and our continued focus is on attracting, nurturing and retaining top talent across all roles and all locations regardless of race, religion or disability.
We have policies in place for flexible working, conduct and equality, diversity and inclusion.

All employees have contracts of employment that clearly state their terms and conditions and a job description explaining their responsibilities. Every employee has clear, set objectives and undergoes an annual review with their manager.

Over the past year we have not been subject to any incidents, investigations or legal proceedings concerning labour principles violations.

Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

We recognise the impact that our day to day operations have on the environment. We are fully committed to reducing these impacts and strive to take positive steps to minimise the harmful effects. We have an environmental management policy in place.

We actively work with our clients to reduce environmental impacts and ensure that all our activities comply with, or exceed, regulatory controls or codes of practice, where they are available. In the absence of specific regulations, all activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. We aim to conserve natural resources by the use of energy management, recycling and other appropriate means, and to deal with suppliers and contractors who actively share these goals.

We have set targets for reduction of paper usage, business travel and energy usage which we will report on in the next COP.
We have not had any reportable environmental incidents in the last year.

Anti-Corruption
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Hill Dickinson is fully compliant with the UK Bribery Act 2010. We have a clear whistleblowing policy in place.

All staff receives stringent annual training, testing and guidance on bribery and money laundering. We follow guidance set down by industry regulators.

Hill Dickinson has not been subject to any investigation, legal claim or criminal action concerning the anti-corruption principles.

All colleagues are tested annually to ensure they are up to date with the latest anti-corruption regulations.